Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Intercity code
0 + local code
International access code
00
Toilets
›
Most hotels, restaurants and museums offer Western-style toilets; public toilets and those
in mosques are often of the squat variety.
Tourist Information
The Ministry of Culture & Tourism (
www.turizm.gov
.
tr) operates four tourist information
offices or booths in the city; a fifth is scheduled to open at some stage in the future inside
the Atatürk Cultural Centre on Taksim Sq in Beyoğlu. All can provide a free map of the
city, but aren't very forthcoming with advice or recommendations.
Sultanahmet
(
212-518 8754; Hippodrome, Sultanhamet;
9.30am-6pm mid-Apr-Sep, 9am-5.30pm
Oct-mid-Apr;
Sultanahmet)
Sirkeci Train Station
(
212-511 5888; Sirkeci Station, Ankara Caddesi, Sirkeci;
9.30am-6pm mid-
Apr-Sep, 9am-5.30pm Oct-mid-Apr)
Karaköy
(Karaköy International Passenger Terminal, Kemankeş Caddesi, Karaköy;
9.30am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Atatürk Airport
(
212-465 3451; International Arrivals Hall, Atatürk International Airport;
9am-10pm)
Mosque Etiquette
›
Remove your shoes before walking on the mosque's carpet; you can leave them on shelves near the mosque
door.
›
Women should always cover their head and shoulders with a shawl or scarf; both women and men should dress
modestly.
›
Avoid visiting mosques at prayer times - within 30 minutes of when the
ezan
(call to prayer) sounds from the
mosque minaret - and also around Friday lunch, when weekly sermons and group prayers are held.
›
Speak quietly and don't use the flash on your camera if people are praying.
